Cover photo for John Arbuthnot's Obituary
John Arbuthnot Profile Photo
1938 G. John 2025

John Arbuthnot

March 12, 1938 — February 14, 2025

Sumner

George "John" Arbuthnot, 86, of Sumner, NE went to be with the Lord at his daughter's home in Litchfield, NE on February 14, 2025, while surrounded by his family.

John was born in San Francisco CA on March 12, 1938, to Ivan George "Hap" and Mary (Noble) Arbuthnot. John grew up in the Manteca California area on his family dairy farm. After school, he made his living as a Heavy Equipment Operator, farm laborer, and traveler. In 1974, John moved to the Sumner area and continued his work as a Heavy Equipment operator before retiring. Friends and Family enjoyed his stories about all the adventures and discoveries he made while working on job sites.

John's love for motorcycles began at a young age and he always had a story about racing or rebuilding cars and motorcycles. In his later years, John enjoyed riding his beloved 1980 Harley Davidson "8-BALL", hunting, fishing, playing rummy, spending time with friends and family, and watching NASCAR. John spent time mentoring young men on how to "wrench" in his shop and would never turn down a fresh pie from the ladies in the community. John always had a smile on his face when he talked about being Grand Marshall and leading the Sumner parade on his Harley in "Big John" fashion.

He is survived by sisters, Nancy Myatt of West Jefferson, NC and Martha (Frank) Gill of Patterson, California. Children, Yvonne (Steve) Contreras of Escalon, CA, Teresa Arbuthnot of Sonora, CA, Ina Arbuthnot of Sumner NE, Tila (Jake) Kucera of Litchfield, NE, MaryAnn (Dennis) Hollenbeck of Plattsmouth, NE. and George (Stephanie) Arbuthnot Jr. of Sumner, NE, 22 Grandchildren, 19 Great Grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews, extended family and friends. 

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Sidney "Sid Ray" Arbuthnot.

Graveside Services will be held on Thursday, February 20, 2025, at 2pm at the Sumner Cemetery in Sumner with Pastor Ken Hutson, officiating. The family would like to invite everyone to the Sumner Community Hall after the service to enjoy a piece of pie in remembrance of Dad.

In lieu of flowers and monetary donations, the family ask that you spend time in nature with family and enjoy "the ride" as he did.

Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington is honored to be assisting the family with arrangements. Please share online condolences with the family by visiting: reynoldslovefuneralhome.com

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of John Arbuthnot, please visit our flower store.

Service Schedule

Past Services

Graveside Service

Thursday, February 20, 2025

Starts at 2:00 pm

Sumner Cemetery

, Sumner, NE 68878

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